Opinions on Switches

[barlowrs]

Hey Guys, I am working on some switches for my truck. The original plan was to laser etch them and paint the recess that is created with some white paint. HOWEVER, after etching them I actaully think like the look without the paint, it is very subtle but nice.

So I need your opinions. Do I leave them as they are in this pic, or do I paint the etchings white?

Thanks

 

[mbuckner]

What about red or blue paint?

 

[Lynn]

Personally, I think it depends on what looks best with the rest of your dash.

 

[MotoDave]

First off, those look awesome!

I'd paint them, but I'm a form follows function kind of guy.

 

[SunTzuNephew]

White paint will discolor, and flake off: Leave them alone?

 

[barlowrs]

What about red or blue paint?

Personally, I think it depends on what looks best with the rest of your dash.

Its in an 05 tacoma, the rest of the switches are black with white/illuminated lettering. The idea was to make it look as STOCK as possible. I am actually using a stock window switch as my "in/out" switch for the winch.

So white is the only color that would match. The problem is, white paint will not exactly match the white/illuminated parts of the stock switches

 

[4xdog]

I have used a white "china marker" crayon/pencil to fill in engraving on a temporary basis or where removal is to be an option. I've used this technique on plastics many times, and it works pretty well. Maybe give it a try and see how you like the look.

On a more permanent basis, I've used Sharpie Paint Pens to re-fill engraving with black paint. They make a white one that could probably be used here, but I'd try its compatibility with the switch in an inconspicuous area first, 'cause it might not wipe off so easily where it's not wanted.

Don

 

[Checksix]

PArdon the thread jack...

Im looking for new switchs and like the looks of those. What brand are they?

Thanks.

 

[barlowrs]

Im looking for new switchs and like the looks of those. What brand are they?

Thanks.

They are the blue sea Waterproof Contura Switches. you can get them with no LED, 1 LED (like mine) or Two. Very good switches.

Here is a link: http://bluesea.com/category/4/productline/overview/147

The I just used a laser etcher to etch the marking on them.

 

[kjp1969]

GREAT sources for contura switches:
http://www.otrattw.com/

Shipping is quick and there are lots of premarked switches.

 

[RedRocker]

So where would one find a laser etcher?

 

[barlowrs]

So where would one find a laser etcher?

I am not sure where you could find one, they are very expensive. I work in aerospace industry so I have access to all kinds of fun toys. I do know we use it to label manufactured parts mainly, so maybe you can look around for some local manufacturing companies and see if they use them to lable part numbers and such, then ask if they would label some switches for you.

Othewise I really don't know where to find one, sorry.

 

[kjp1969]

Try a trophy shop- they etch lettering all the time. I saw a great switch panel that was blue anodized aluminum with lettering etched on.